Additional details and renderings showing the planned renovation of the Hong Kong China Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been released.
The temple closed July 8, 2019, to undergo an extensive renovation of its mechanical, electrical, heating and plumbing systems. It is expected to remain closed until sometime in 2022 when the temple will be rededicated following a public open house.
“This temple has faithfully served Church members in the Asia area for more than 20 years,” said Brent Roberts, managing director of the Church’s Special Projects Department. “But like all buildings, systems wear out and updates and refreshing become necessary. This work over the next three years will beautify and rejuvenate this beautiful House of the Lord.”
The five-story temple’s exterior stone will be replaced, and some of the windows will be reworked. Additionally, the rooms will be reconfigured to create a better patron experience. This includes renovating one of the floors that was used as a meetinghouse and incorporating it into the temple experience.
Workers will also take steps to strengthen the building against water and moisture. New art glass will be installed – adhering to the oriental design familiar to temple visitors – and new pieces of artwork and furniture will be added. The exterior landscaping and grounds will also be refreshed. The temple’s existing steeple will be removed.
“These improvements will add to the beauty of this magnificent temple,” said Mark Berry, senior project manager. “Our architects have worked meticulously to draw up plans to preserve and strengthen this structure, and our local contractors will make those plans a reality over the next three years.”
Gordon B. Hinckley, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1995 to 2008, dedicated the Hong Kong China Temple May 26, 1996. The temple serves Latter-day Saints in China, Singapore, Mongolia and other Asian countries.
“The temple is symbolically the heart of the Church in Hong Kong where members from all parts of the city can get to it within an hour’s travel on public transport,” said Wallace Lam, president of the Hong Kong Island China Stake. “Members have sought inspiration and revelation to cope with life’s challenges while celebrating the most joyous events in life. Although the closure for renovation will bring temporary sadness to faithful patrons from across Asia, a significantly renovated temple in the future also brings tremendous excitement and hope, imagining the elegance and joy to be found inside the soon-to-be-unveiled House of the Lord.”
This news release was provided by the Church Newsroom.
